§ 2. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to numerous accidents which have occurred recently in London streets owing to collisions occurring 1232 between vehicles through drivers being momentarily blinded by steam and black smoke being emitted from passing lorries or steam wagons; can he state whether any police regulations in the Metropolitan police district exist to deal with this danger; and in how many cases have prosecutions taken place against owners of such vehicles who have been responsible for this nuisance during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)23 such accidents came to the notice of the police during the three months ended 28th February. There are London County Council Bylaws applying to the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels: the general law is not altogether adequate and it is very difficult for the police to prosecute successfully. During the year ended 31st January last, proceedings were taken under London County Council By-laws in 134 cases. For the reason I have mentioned there were no other prosecutions.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that these accidents are increasing, and, if the law is not satisfactory, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to amend it?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs far as accidents are concerned, I think that they are undoubtedly slightly increasing. I have been in conversation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport, who is also concerned in the matter, and I am afraid that there would be no opportunity for passing legislation this Session.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCannot my right hon. Friend issue regulations to put a stop to this danger? Is he aware that it is like going at a blind fog sometimes to try and pass these great things along the road, and you cannot possibly see what is coming the other way?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am advised that I have no power to make regulations that would really be effective.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhat about the Minister of Transport?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, neither of us has. We should have to get powers 1233 from this House to enable us to make regulations which would really have the effect which my hon. and gallant Friend desires.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to compel this class of vehicle to travel at night instead of in the day-time?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. I have not.
§ Mr. DAYCannot the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the London County Council in order to see that the by-laws which they have are put more stringently into force?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe London County Council have already prosecuted in 134 cases in a year, but I will go into consultation with my colleague, and, if necessary, with the London County Council.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill my right hon. Friend ascertain whether the police have any instructions whatever to take observations, and to prosecute if they see cases? It is a matter of daily observation.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think that my hon. and gallant Friend should put that question on the Paper, because my answer is that our powers are not sufficient.